Lee with Dr. John & Nancy Hubbard and Shooter Chatel. William Baker, Kenny Chatel and Caroline Baker.
When Lee walked through our new “downsize” to evaluate our wants and needs he immediately put me at ease and won me over when he asked what we wanted before ofering his own ideas. Troughout the process he was mindful of our lifestyle and budget and had a wonderful vision when it came to incorporating what we already had with a fresh approach. We could not be more pleased! - Nancy Hubbard
$1,450,000
Nanette Tafel 502-376-1083
$978,000
Barbie Tafel 502-552-3259
$1,195,000
Barbie Tafel 502-552-3259 John Stough 502-552-9120
Estates
$799,000
Jo Bishop 502-419-6444
LaGrange
$1,465,000
Bob Rice 502-551-0333 Julie Scott Beam 502-905-0599
$875,000
Meredith Alderson 502-889-7474
Mockingbird Valley
$1,500,000
Sandy Gulick 502-592-8664
Glenview
$2,150,000
Joanne Owen 502-271-5155
2500 Poplar Crest Indian Hills 1012 Anchorage Woods Circle Anchorage 7105 Covered Cove Way of Hunting Creek 1807 Arnold Palmer Boulevard Lake Forest 4006 Glenview Avenue 6701 Shrader Lane 11502 Anchorage Woods Court Anchorage 3309 Green Hill Lane
Quattroporte S Q4 pushes the frontiers of performance and safety with unique Italian style. Its groundbreaking Q4 intelligent AWD system actively delivers power from a responsive twin-turbo V6 engine to provide the unmatched exhilaration of rear-wheel drive until the road calls for precise distribution of power to all four wheels. Experience dynamic driving enhanced by maximum safety.
MASERATI LOUISVILLE
Quattroporte S Q4 with intelligent all-wheel drive starts at $106,900.*
4710 BOWLING BLVD., LOUISVILLE, KY 40207
Schedule your test drive: 502-894-3429
www.Maserati.BluegrassAuto.com
You’ve heard the saying, “When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”
Well, that’s how some old-school investment brokers advise their clients. Stocks, bonds, funds, ho-hum. But the real world demands a deeper engagement and richer insight from your wealth management advisor. And that’s what you get from Hilliard Lyons. You get a fnancial advisor who’s paying attention to the bigger picture. You get a team of professionals in diversifed areas of fnancial management. A team that can employ the best resources from multiple disciplines designed to help achieve the results you want.
In markets like these, choose a fnancial advisor who’s more than a one-trick pony.
33 Decanted: Piedmontese White Wines
34 Curating a Lifestyle: Into the Woods
36 Bibliotaph: Child’s Play
38 Punched Up Powder
42 Art: The Exhibiit that Changed the Art World
44 Of Note... Gray Matters
46 Arizona Auto Week Glistens, Glitters and Gleams
50 Who, What, Wear. Designers to Watch
EDITOR - IN - CHIEF
Bridget Williams
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Kay Matton
ART DIRECTOR
Jason Yann
CONTRIBUTORS
Writers
Patti Bailey
Dr. Matthew Bessen
Ellana Bessen
Scott Harper
Amelia Jefers
Jef Jefers
Austin Pembroke
Photographers
Tony Bailey
Allie Filley
Chad Henle
Andrew Kung
COPY EDITOR
Jennifer Newton
Michael Parker
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Claire Williams
ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE
502.582.6563
CEO/PUBLISHER
Eric Williams
VICE PRESIDENT
Michele Beam Sophisticated
Are you a tastemaker?
Sophisticated Living is now ofering franchise opportunities in select US and international markets. To learn more call 502-582-6563 or eric@slmag.net
SLMAG.NET
When my beloved grandmother was laid to rest last March, there were two important possessions in her hands: her rosary and a few of my mother’s homemade thumbprint cookies. Among the many things I shared with my grandmother was an intense fondness for these simple round sugar cookies flled in the center with buttercream frosting.
As we creep ever closer to the return of spring and thoughts turn to baseball, daffodils, bunnies and milder temperatures, my fights of fancy are squarely focused on Easter, and more specifcally, my mother’s annual Easter brunch, an invitation to which is one of the most coveted among members of my extended family.
While the bounteous and entirely homemade spread of caramelized bacon, frittatas, pastries, honey glazed ham and myriad other decadent dishes are always tantalizing, knowing there will be a trife dish full of the aforementioned cookies is enough to set my taste buds tingling in anticipation. I typically have an iron will when it comes to resisting sweets, but Easter brunch is my Tanksgiving, the day where I get to pretend that I live in a perfect world where counting calories is irrelevant and unnecessary.
Each year at Easter brunch my grandmother and I would watch as the cookie supply slowly dwindled, and talk of who would lay claim to the leftovers would commence. I would joke that she should have been hitting the gym in preparation so she could catch me when I ran away with the remnants. Her simple yet efective counter, which would always defnitively settle the debate, was that she was entitled to them as my grandmother. Tough I did protest a little, who was I to argue with that rationale?
It makes me smile to imagine my grandmother standing outside the pearly gates, cookies in one hand and rosary in the other, conversing with the gatekeeper. Would it give her a moment’s pause if St. Peter told her the price of admission was her stash of cookies? It could very well be that I’m not the only one who thinks those cookies are divine!
Tumbprint Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
2 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose four
¼ teaspoon salt
Beat butter at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks and vanilla, beating until well blended. Combine four and salt and add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Cover and chill dough for 1 hour. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 2-inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Press thumb in each cookie to make an indentation. Bake @ 350 for 15 minutes. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets and then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Press centers again with thumb while cookies are still warm. Fill center of each cookie with icing. For the icing melt ¼ cup butter. Add 2 cups confectioner’s sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Add 2 -3 tablespoons of hot water, stirring until desired consistency is reached.
Bridget Williams Editor-In-Chief bridget@slmag.net
When thinking of Italian wine, the great regions of Tuscany and Piedmont are often top of mind. Collectively, these two regions have more wine classified under Italy’s strictly controlled Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) category than any other region. Seeing DOCG or the more common Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) designation on an Italian wine bottle label means that the wine producer has adhered to specific regulations that guarantee geographic authenticity, grape varieties, production methods, style and quality.
If I were forced today to make a choice between Tuscany and Piedmont for wine, I would choose the latter. Justly, it’s a tough call, and on another occasion I may do a 360-degree shift and say Tuscany. But for now, the delicious white wines of Piedmont stand out as the determining factor that diferentiates these two great red wine regions.
Piedmontese whites are certainly in the shadow of the truly great reds of Barolo and Barbaresco. They will never have the claim to fame of this region; after all, Barolo is said to be the king of wines and the wine of kings, with Barbaresco its regal sibling. Some of the best wines I have ever tasted have been based in the Nebbiolo grape of Barolo and Barbaresco. Located adjacent to one another, both regions produce long-lived wines, but Barolo tends to be a fuller, more tannic wine, while Barbaresco is still full and tannic, but slightly less so. If you are lucky to fnd older bottles, you will discover that both wines will beneft from bottle age of approximately six-to-10 years and many bottlings much longer.
But wait, the delicious, fresh and energetic whites from this red wine region require no ageing, and as is the case with most white wines, should be consumed between one and three years of age. Piedmontese whites are certainly worthwhile, unique and nothing like the ubiquitous quafng Pinot Grigio, which is Italy’s most popular exported white grape. While there is Chardonnay produced, most white wine made in Piedmont comes from indigenous grapes. Tey ofer characterful wines typically without the use of oak, which are crisp, fresh and accompany food efortlessly.
Te most famous white wine of the area is Gavi, sometimes called Gavi di Gavi or even Corteses di Gavi. Located in southeastern region of Piedmont, Gavi is made from the Cortese grape and is a delightful wine. The lesser-known wine of the Roero area of Piedmont is made from the Arneis grape. Roero is in south-central Piedmont just north of Barolo and Barbaresco. Arneis in the Piedmontese dialect translates to “little difficult one” because of its difculty to grow, but I have found that it also makes an excellent nickname for people with similar personality characteristics. Both Gavi and Roero Arneis are categorized as DOCG and are best consumed chilled at about 50-55°F. A top producer of Gavi is Broglia and of Roero is Arneis Malvira.
Written by Scott Harper, Master SommelierSecondary Piedmontese grapes to look for, but may be quite challenging to find, are Favorita and Erbaluce. If you happen upon these wines at an excellent wine shop or Italian restaurant, give them a go as they are favorful revelations. In the meantime, the two wines below, while not super easy to fnd, are certainly obtainable and well worth the efort.
Malvira Arneis Roero 2013 Tis is a delicious medium-bodied wine that is crisp and refreshing with the favors of slightly under ripe pear and apple and a touch of Mandarin orange, orange zest and ginger. Copious wet stone and minerals with spring fowers help make this wine fresh and inviting. Arneis pairs well with oysters, clams and mussels, as well as fried vegetables.
Founded in the 1950s, the estate is now run by the founder’s two sons, Massimo and Roberto Damonte. Malvira in Piedmontese dialect means “badly situated.” Te name refers to the original winery facing north, instead of south, with south being the typical positioning of the period. If you are visiting the area, Malvira has a 13-room luxury hotel and restaurant on the property called Villa Tiboldi (villatiboldi.com/en/).
Broglia Gavi La Meirana 2012 A light straw-colored, mediumbodied wine that is broader in texture than most Italian whites. It is fresh with the favors of ripe apple, lemon, almonds and light minerals. Enticing fresh white flowers and citrus in the nose help create this wine’s vivacious and persistent quality. Gavi is an absolutely delightful pairing with roasted pork, seafood or pasta, or as an aperitif.
Broglia Winery is family-owned and currently run by brothers Gian Piero and Paolo Broglia. While the family acquired the estate La Meirana in 1972, it is of historical importance with written references dating back to 971 AD. sl
Written by Amelia and Jef Jefers
Creating a beautiful environment in which to live and entertain should not be limited to inside your home. Allow inspiration to blossom beyond four walls and expand your design aesthetic outdoors by incorporating art and antiques in your landscape design to give your guests (and yourself ) an unexpected dose of warmth and sophistication.
Te most common material found in outdoor antiques is undoubtedly iron. In the 16th and 17th centuries, blacksmiths worked iron by hand and anvil to create fencing, gates, doors and window coverings that were as secure as they were aesthetically beautiful. When sealed to hedge against rust, iron was a great choice for architectural elements that were long lasting, with many items from that period surviving today. During the Industrial Revolution, new technologies led to casting iron into molds, which made cast iron ornamentation a more afordable alternative to wrought iron. As a result, the Victorian era saw great demand for decorative elements such as lawn furniture, fower urns and fgural objects. Unlike most antiques, the repainted surface of an outdoor iron object does not usually detract from its value; in fact, oil-based paints provide important protection against rust and the resulting deterioration it can cause. Often painted white, iron furniture and accessories create a stunning and elegant contrast against a backdrop of green.
Cast iron benches, chairs and tables are readily available at auction and estate sales in the low hundreds of dollars for common varieties, and into the thousands for more special or ornate objects. Large, early urns with impressive handles, bases and ornamentation command the highest price in this category, although very small and special examples can also be rare. Restoration of iron is best left to professionals as
proper removal of any traces of rust can go a long way toward extending the life of a piece.
Beyond iron, outdoor antiques and vintage objects may be found in an assortment of materials. Bronze, zinc and copper architectural elements and statuary tend to develop a wonderfully warm and natural patina over time. Of course, collectors will pay the most for bronze items, and generally the quality of casting and design will be superior to less expensive materials. Copper is soft and prone to damage, so look for smaller objects or items with a forgiving hand-hammered fnish. Zinc is an interesting, dull grey surface that takes a casting remarkably well and suggests a bit more of an industrial style.
For those who prefer a more whimsical design, porcelain objects can bring a colorful juxtaposition to an otherwise organic setting. Asian garden seats in the form of a barrel are often elaborately decorated with exotic patterns. Flowerpots, fgural objects and vases may also fnd their way outside—particularly if nicked or chipped—as the perfect spot in the garden may hide a few faws. When using porcelain or glass objects, be certain they are drilled for drainage or kept out of direct rainfall.
Do you prefer that your garden accoutrements blend a bit more organically into the plan? Stone or concrete statuary and birdbaths can provide just a touch of classical architecture. Hand-chiseled examples will naturally be pricier, but MidCentury cement castings are remarkably detailed and provide just the look at a reasonable price point.
If warm spring days beckon your inner gardener, get a head start on summer blooms by brightening up the garden with an array of interesting and beautiful outdoor antique objects. sl
Captured through the lens of photographer and journalist Gabriele Galimberti over the course of three years, the images of children from around the globe with their most prized possessions provides a glimpse of the world into which each was born. Te array of imagery from more than 50 countries enables the reader to glean a great deal about the hopes and ambitions of the people who bestowed each child with their vastly varied playthings. Gabriele Galimberti - Toy Stories: Photos of Children from Around the World and Teir Favorite Tings - Hardcover, 112 pages, Abrams Books (abramsbooks.com).
Since 1997, Wim Pauwels, founder of BetaPlus Publishing, has printed more than 250 titles highlighting 100 of the best project designs based on a particular theme. Tis edition focuses on a compilation of the most beautiful and inspirational children's rooms from the past ten years. Wim Pauwels - Te 100 Best Children's Rooms - Hardcover, 224 pages, Beta-Plus Publishing (betaplus.com/en/).
Te second book by Paul Budnitz, founder of designer toy powerhouse Kidrobot, serves as a compendium of the newest, rarest and most coveted limited edition art toys created by more than 140 artists and companies across six continents. Paul Budnitz - I Am Plastic, Too: Te Next Generation of Designer Toys - Hardcover, 368 pages, Abrams Books (abramsbooks.com).
Renate Müller began designing and producing toys in the early 1960s as part of an endeavor launched by Helene Haeusler at the Sonneberg Technical College for Toy Design in Sonneberg, Germany. Te toys were used for balance training and orthopedic exercise as well as for sensory exercises and hand-eye coordination. Tis book is the frst English-language monograph on her work, published on the occasion of a solo exhibition at R 20th Century. Evan Snyderman and Zesty Meyers - Renate Müller: Toys+Design - Hardcover, 80 pages, R & Company (r-and-company.com).
A staple of childhood play, Nathan Sawaya elevates the humble Lego brick to an awe-inspiring art form through his larger-than-life sculptures, featured in hundreds of photographs with behind-thescenes details. Nathan Sawaya - Te Art of the Brick: A Life in LEGO - Hardcover, 248 pages, No Starch Press (nostarch.com).
Refecting the growing trend to reverse over-scheduling and too much screen time, this book provides a glimpse into 12 homes purposefully designed to embrace and inspire children's interests and activities without sacrifcing style. Andrew Weaving (Author) and Andrew Wood (Photographer) - Playful Home: Creative Style for Living with KidsHardcover, 240 pages, Rizzoli Universe (rizzoliusa.com).
Te most extravagant volume to date in teNeues' ongoing series of luxury publications, this hefty tome highlights the world's most lavish and discerning array of toys for big boys. Luxury Toys for Men: Te Ultimate Collection - Hardcover, 304 pages teNeues (teneues.com). Encompassing everything from toys, home accessories, lighting, footwear, photography and artwork to playgrounds and architecture, the 100 designs and art projects highlighted in this book are all infused with the essence of play. Victionary
- Just Kidding! A to Z Designs for Kids & Kidults
- Hardcover, 240 pages, Victionary (victionary.com).
Written by Victoria Chase
I wasn’t certain whether it was the altitude or the champagne served on a silver platter as I exited the helicopter that transported us from the airport in Vail to the base of the mountain that had me in a state of euphoria, but one thing I knew for certain: Beaver Creek’s exclusive White Glove Winter Getaway Package takes the concept of a Rocky Mountain high well into the stratosphere. “It is the ultimate luxury experience for serious skiers, but the range of fexible amenities available through the White Glove package makes it ideal for families or a small group of skiers with varying abilities,” said Jen Brown, Senior Manager of Public Relations for Beaver Creek.
An area of immense natural beauty, particularly in winter when the brilliant white bark of bare Aspen trees stands proud against an expanse of bluer-than-blue skies, the 1,832 skiable acres that comprise the well-groomed and uncrowded trails of Beaver Creek amply accommodate shushers of all abilities. Even more prestige was added to the powder this past February when the site played host to some 700 athletes from more than 70 nations as part of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.
Fresh on-mountain amenities for the 2014/2015 ski season include 24 new state-of-the-art snowmaking guns to provide fresh snow atop the smooth corduroy on the popular Gold Dust trail several nights a week; a new high-speed Centennial Express Lift that can carry 3,400 people per hour via a combination of alternating six-passenger chairs and 10-person gondola cabins (the latter of which are particularly kid and beginner friendly); and a cozy “Candy Cabin” located at the top of the Strawberry Park Express Lift and Upper Beaver Creek Mountain Express Lift that is reminiscent of candy stores from a bygone era, complete with vintage soft drinks (the kind with real cane sugar) and custom chocolates from Colorado-based Mootz Chocolates.
Champagne and cookies in hand, our personal Ski School Ambassador transported us to The Osprey, a ski-in, ski-out boutique hotel that has the distinction of being the closest hotel to a chairlift in North America, just 26 feet, and whose interior design provides a contemporary twist on Alpine decor. While relaxing in front of the fre, representatives from RentSkis Gold provided a private equipment ftting.
As part of the White Glove Winter Getaway Package, which is valued at $50,000, travelers are treated to fve nights in Trapper’s Cabin, a luxurious four-bedroom, three-level mountaintop home near Bachelor’s Gulch boasting panoramic views of the ski area. Even though the property is located near many popular runs, it feels quite secluded. After the slopes have closed for the day, it’s not uncommon for some of the “locals,” including black bear and elk, to drop by for an unannounced visit. Amenities of the cabin include a cozy living room with freplace, a game room with a pool table, a large deck with a hot tub, access to a SnowCat for transport to the village, and all of the amenities one would normally associate with a luxury hotel from technology to toiletries.
A “Cabin Keeper” provides attentive and expert concierge services, which includes arranging gourmet in-house meals prepared by David Sanchez, executive chef at the Osprey. Sanchez’s less-ismore philosophy highlights his unique ability to coax vibrant favors from simply, yet beautifully prepared dishes. I developed a particular penchant for his ghost pepper breakfast omelet during my stay.
Once settled into our respective rooms we dove into Helly Hansen goody bags stuffed with a “welcome to Beaver Creek ski apparel package” that also included the most important accessory of all: an Epic Pass, which not only allowed unfettered access to the slopes during our stay in Beaver Creek, but could be used throughout the season at any of Vail Resort’s 22 resorts located in four countries, including Nieseko in Japan and Verbier in Switzerland.
For our frst full day on the mountain, the experts among us took advantage of the White Glove First Tracks program, which provides sunrise access to the slopes before the lifts open to the public, as well as a hearty breakfast at the private on-mountain
Allies’ Cabin. Te beginners, myself included, were taken by our Ski Ambassador to meet our instructor for private lessons. Ski school clients and White Glove participants can take a midday break for lunch at SaddleRidge, which was originally built to the tune of $27 million by the Shearson-Lehman Corporation as a retreat for its clients and executives. Boasting one of the largest private collections of American Western artifacts and art in the US outside of a museum, you can enjoy a Colorado craft beer while ogling checks signed by Wells Fargo himself or sit behind a desk that belonged to Bufalo Bill.
Beaver Creek was purpose-built with meticulous attention to minute details that enhance the guest experience, which means that the White Glove experience is infnitely customizable depending on the interests and abilities of the group. Following a day on the slopes, the White Glove experience includes spa services at the Allegria Spa in the Park Hyatt. Be sure to arrive early to indulge in the Aqua Sanitas, a self-guided fve-step water ritual modeled on ancient Roman baths. Snuggle under a warm blanket and admire the vastness of the starry skies during a SnowCat tour up the mountain to a gourmet dinner at Beano’s Cabin. Elevate your heartrate, or not, during a private snowshoe tour and picnic in McCoy Park, one of North America’s premier lift-accessed trail systems, where running “of-piste” down a hill is sure to leave you feeling like a kid again, particularly after downing one of the aforementioned cane sugar soft drinks!
Te 2015 ski season Beaver Creek runs until April 12. For more information about all of the amenities included as part of the White Glove Winter Package visit Beavercreek.com/whiteglove or call 877.774.6223. sl
One hundred and one years ago, a group of 300 artists from Europe and the United States exhibited 1,250 paintings, sculptures and works on paper in the 69th Regiment Armory in New York City.
Referred to as the Armory Show, the exhibit drew more than 70,000 attendees in one month, and after traveling to Chicago that figure exceeded 180,000. Notable American artists such as George Bellows, John Sloan and Arthur Davies were exhibited side by side with the kings of the modern art world: Picasso, Duchamp and Braque.
In 1913, the United States was on the cusp of becoming the most important industrial power globally and increasingly the strongest military power. The Woolworth Building, constructed in 1913, was the tallest in the world. Grand Central Station, reopened in 1913, was the largest train station in the world. Tat same year the Ford Company introduced the frst automotive assembly line.
Yet for all of the major economic, military and industrial developments, America lagged behind Europe culturally. American artists, such as Mary Cassatt, Maurice Prendergast and many others, focked to Europe to learn from the masters of the time, namely Matisse, Renoir and Seurat, yet Americans continued to be seen as merely imitators of European style.
However, within 50 years, the tables had turned. American artists such as Jackson Pollock, Robert Rauschenberg and Mark Rothko became dominant Modernist forces. No doubt there are many factors that contributed to the sea change in the development of Modern Art, such as the New Deal program for American artists. However, the Armory Show of 1913 was a watershed moment for the development of American artists, and by 1914 American art was forever changed. Critic and collector Gertrude Stein attended the exhibition. Other infuential tastemakers such as Albert Barnes and Henry Frick purchased works for their collections.
According to Jerry Salz, art critic for Te New Yorker, “the founding of MoMA, the Whitney and much else stems directly from those 27 earth-shattering days.” With the Armory Show, American artists were exposed to the European avant-garde on a large scale, which no doubt had a direct infuence on the development of American Modernism.
One painting, which became almost synonymous with the uproar over the Armory Show, was Marcel Duchamp’s Nude Descending the Staircase No. 2. Art critics blasted Duchamp’s work among other Cubists. A Chicago Tribune editorial titled “The Cubist Art” said, “The nudes pervert the ideal of physical perfection, obliterate the line which has heretofore distinguished the artistic from the lewd and obscene, and incite feelings of disgust and aversion.” Marcel Duchamp’s work directly infuenced the likes of Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol.
Even negative response to the show inspired the development of Modernism in the United States. American artists purposefully choose to reject Realism and Romanticism and embrace avant-garde artistic styles.
Having received a record number of gallery applications, the 2015 Armory Show, March 5-8, will host 199 of the world’s premier galleries from 28 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Noah Horowitz, executive director of The Armory Show remarked: “It is a very exciting moment for Te Armory Show with this year’s fair marking the most focused and highest caliber edition in my tenure. The selection process for the upcoming edition was particularly rigorous, and I am thrilled to see a number of notable galleries returning to the fair, as well as a strong presence of young, geographically diverse galleries who have chosen to show with us for the frst time."
For more information visit thearmoryshow.com. sl
Arizona Auto Week, January 11 through 18, was high performance from start to fnish.
Concluding the second annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, January 11 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort, a magnifcent 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A won Best of Show. In addition, the cars of America’s greatest architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, were honored. An automotive lover, Wright consulted in the design of the great resort in the mid-1920s.
Six auctions took place in the Phoenix metropolitan area: Silver and RM, which were also held at the Biltmore; Bonhams, at the Kierland Westin Resort; Gooding & Company, at Scottsdale Fashion Square; Russo and Steele, in North Scottsdale; and, at WestWorld, Barrett-Jackson, where the world-famous Ron Pratt Collection sold for $40.44 million, including automobilia.
At Russo and Steele's 15th annual auction event, European classics and American muscle combined for the high-dollar
cars. These included a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, $1,430,000; the extraordinary 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe, one of only 69 made, $335,500; and another street/track legend, the 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback, $330,000.
Russo and Steele posted the highest selling Porsche 911 of all the events at Arizona Auto Week with a 1974 2.7 RS, which hammered down at $305,500.
“We really had an incredible event from beginning to end. We experienced record crowds throughout the week and harnessed that energy into fantastic results,” said Drew Alcazar, founder of Scottsdale-based Russo and Steele. “All in all, it was a wonderful event, and it absolutely reinforced why we get so much enjoyment out of putting on these events. Cars and camaraderie – It’s Russo and Steele in Scottsdale!”
At the Gooding & Company auction, 11 cars broke the $1 million level, and 25 new auction records were set for a fnal tally of more than $51.5 million.
1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series I Coupe Aerodinamico.
Photo by Brian Henniker for Gooding & Company.
A highly original, low-mileage, pristine condition 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra sold for $1,155,000 at the Gooding & Company Auction.
Among the new world auction benchmarks was a 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series I Coupe Aerodinamico, $4,070,000, and a 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6, $1,980,000. The auction highlight was the personally hosted sale of Jay Leno’s 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Te comedian and car lover was accompanied by USO CEO & President J.D. Crouch II, and 36th Chief of Staf of the U.S. Army and USO board member General George Casey. Dramatically, the car generated $565,625 for the USO.
Similar commitment to the troops came at Barrett-Jackson with the sale of Ron Pratt's 1950 GM Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus, which raised $4.65 million to beneft the Armed Forces Foundation. Tese bus museums toured America in the ‘40s and ‘50s to celebrate the future of automobiles and technology.
“Te Futurliner moment was one I will always remember, as the outpouring of support for our veterans made me extremely proud,” said Pratt, a Valley resident who acquired many of his collector cars at former Barrett-Jackson auctions. “It took a monumental efort by the Barrett-Jackson team to execute this auction successfully. I am extremely satisfed by the results and
want to thank all those on the Barrett-Jackson team that helped make this happen.”
There were other stars from the Pratt Collection, which totaled $40.44 million in sales. The 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible from I Love Lucy sold for $220,000; a custom truck from Te Beverly Hillbillies gaveled down for $275,000; and, the 1958 Plymouth Fury “Christine” from the eponymous Stephen King movie brought $198,000. Owned by the great driver and racing team owner Carrol Shelby, a 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake, just one of two made, brought $5.1 million.
Altogether, Barrett-Jackson sold 1,611 vehicles for more than $130 million (unaudited), a record for the company during its 44-year history. Troughout the week, Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2015 raised $8.6 million for local and national charities.
"Tis year’s Scottsdale auction was on a scale unlike anything in our history,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Scottsdale-based Barrett-Jackson. “From sales and consignments to our ratings on Discovery and Velocity, we smashed records at every level. Everyone who attended this year’s Scottsdale auction was a part of automotive history.” sl
West African-born and Indianapolis-based fashion designer and entrepreneur Mamadou "Ben" Diallo studied textiles and business in Morocco before deciding to make the leap to the fashion scene in New York City. His studies led him to Butler University, and although he moved back to the Big Apple after graduation, thanks to his wife, an Indianapolis native, he found his way back to the Midwest. And while he enjoyed the family-friendly quality of life in the Hoosier State, he missed the options in men’s fashion ofered in the big city.
Having his own label had always been a dream for Diallo, so in 2008, despite the recession and believing he could fll a niche in the market, he opened J. Benzal in downtown Indianapolis. Te shop’s name is a derivative of Diallo’s nickname and that of two close friends who worked with him in the industry. Populated exclusively with merchandise bearing the J. Benzal label, nearly everything in the store is Italian made. Te boutique’s success prompted him to open a second suburban outpost in the Carmel City Center and eye further brick-and-mortar expansion in neighboring states.
Diallo is a stickler for details and ft, and his suits are noted for contrast stitching on the lapels, colorful, high-quality fabrics, and European-style cuts. Most recently Diallo has expanded his repertoire to designing footwear in a range of styles, from classic wingtips and loafers to more fashion-forward professional work boots. “I was tired of getting asked the same question over and over by my customers after we helped them pick a great outft, ‘where can I get some nice shoes?’ With the addition of our shoe collection, we hope to make J.Benzal, a one stop destination for the stylish man,” he remarked.
For more information and stockists visit jbenzal.com.
Born into the royal family of Fujairah, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Sheikha Madiyah
Al Sharqi was exposed to fne tailoring from a young age. After graduating from the private Parisian fashion school Ecole Superieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode (ESMOD), she apprenticed under Lebanese designer Abed Mahfouz before launching an eponymous collection in 2012. Te Middle Eastern designer’s creative manipulation of vibrant fabrics and employment of sophisticated needlework earned her a spot as a fnalist for the 2013/2014 International Woolmark Prize, a highly coveted designer award, as well as being named “one of the most exciting and promising designers to come out of this region” by Harpers Bazaar Arabia.
As a young royal, Madiyah is in a unique position to juxtapose traditional imperial grandeur with the perspective of a modern discerning woman. Her delicate design aesthetic is consistent throughout each collection, while her creative inspirations shift from season to season.
Madiyah describes her clientele as a “woman who is graceful and timeless, with a passion for opulent design. She appreciates intricate embroideries and subtle color palettes, and makes bold statements with her choice of silhouettes. Her conservative nature lies in the delicate fabrics that accentuate her femininity.”
For more information and stockists, visit madiyahalsharqi.com.
Talent and tenacity are two words that could be easily bantered about to explain the driving force behind emerging designer Mathieu Mirano’s upward career trajectory. Just 23 years old, the Long Island native and Parsons drop-out already has fve shows at New York Fashion Week under his belt, through which he was bestowed the title of the ‘Mad Scientist of Fashion’ by ELLE Magazine for his utilization of motifs ranging from robots to ancient creatures. Tough already garnering buzz among fashion industry insiders for several seasons, his work reached a more mainstream audience after Lady Gaga made an appearance on Good Morning America in late 2014 wearing a custom paper ensemble he designed specifcally for the singer. Since then his tailored pieces, which strike a delicate balance between constructed shapes and soft femininity, have graced the likes of Nicole Ritchie, Julianne Moore, Gabrielle Union and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Inspired by his fascination with science and nature, Mirano’s spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection features a heightened focus on silhouette, with separates and dresses sporting details such as pleats and peplums that play with asymmetry and volume in a modern way. Trailblazing fabrications, including rubberized cottons in laser grid patterns and other manipulated materials allow the collection to transcend from casual sophistication to full-on glamour.
Said the designer: “Te Mathieu Mirano woman is extremely thoughtful in regards to her fashion choices. She pays attention to the detail, to the cuts, to the treatments and to the high level of craftsmanship. She isn’t living to work. She’s living every day to live. But most importantly, she has a sexiness that is never vulgar.”
For more information and stockists visit mathieumirano.com.
Written by Bridget Williams
Perhaps I was subjected to one too many knight in shining armor tales at bedtime as a youngster, but I feel fairly confident in my assertation that I’m not alone when it comes to having developed a girlhood fascination with castles and the romanticized notions of life within their stone walls. Learning the true realities of medieval life – leprosy, dysentery, the plague, a lack of indoor plumbing and having to consume mead on a regular basis, among other maladies – certainly tarnished a bit of the shine I took to castle living, but not
enough to entirely dissuade my interest. My own teenage daughter was not immune from such musings, which served as the impetus for a recent trip to Te Emerald Isle focused on the Counties Clare, Galway and May in the west of the country. En route from place to place, we traveled roadways in the bucolic countryside that seemed snug even for our micro rental car and had us wondering more often than not if we were lost, but with scenery so picturesque, we hardly minded a few errant wrong turns.
Traveling under the cover of darkness following a pre-dawn arrival at Shannon Airport, when the robotic voice of our GPS system confdently announced that we had arrived at Te Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, I was certain there must be some mistake as dawn’s frst light revealed only modest farmhouses set against a backdrop of gently undulating mossy green hills. Scanning the horizon, we spied a cluster of buildings in the distance and headed in that direction. As we drew closer, the form of an impressive stone lodge and detached cottages that comprise the 185-room resort fully revealed themselves from their perch above the rugged Atlantic coastline in crescentshaped Doughmore Bay. Opened in 2006 as Doonbeg, the Trump organization acquired the property – the only five-star luxury resort on the coast of County Clare – in 2014. Te juxtaposition of the refined architecture against an untamed expanse of coastline painted a breathtaking scene. As I surveyed how the Greg Norman-designed links course rambled along the cliff’s edge, I wished, even if just for a split second, that I had eschewed the notion of ever becoming a golfer.
Resisting the urge to bask in the sun while walking barefoot across the spongy golf green laid out behind the lodge, we instead explored our ocean-view, two-story, two-bedroom suite, which was outfitted quite luxuriously in classic hunt country style with natty tweed upholstery, bespoke furnishings and antiques, reclaimed woods, baths with honed marble, tumbled stone and plant-based toiletries made at the nearby Burren Perfumery, vintage-style hardware and light switches, roughhewn ceiling beams, crewelwork drapery, a small kitchen and dining area, and a sitting room with gas freplace. With the majority of guest suites averaging 1,000-square-feet or more and 17 Links Cottages spanning nearly 3,000 square-feet, the property is ideal for family travel and those not willing to forgo the comforts of a wellappointed home while abroad.
It wasn’t long before we succumbed a little to jetlag by starting up the fire and settling in at opposite ends of the window seat to listen to the rhythm of the waves as they rolled and tumbled the stones along the shore to a polished fnish that proved to be ideal for a subsequently idyll afternoon of skipping rocks. Further down the beach our gazes transfxed
Refreshed from a brief catnap, we decided to walk the par72 golf course, which plays 6,885 yards from championship tees and boasts ocean views from 16 of its 18 holes. Te frst course in Ireland or Great Britain designed by Greg Norman, the layout follows nature, with native grasses simply mowed on 14 greens and 12 fairways. Varying ocean breezes ensure that no two rounds will ever play the same. A total of 51 acres of grey dunes are permanently fenced of for preservation, while the remainder of the site, including the course, is designated as a proposed Natural Heritage Area. Te 400-acre resort also includes a frstrate pro shop, a practice facility with driving range, putting green and chipping area, and caddies trained to U.S. standards.
Under the direction of Executive Head Chef Greg Budzyn, guests at the property can savor both traditional and international cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients at two full-service dining options: casual, bistro-style fare in the Trump Bar and Restaurant or fine dining accompanied by an impressive global selection of wines in the Ocean View Restaurant. Afternoon tea is
Smitten with the scent of the Burren Perfumery toiletries in our room, we obtained directions to the company’s manufactory where we perused their entire product line, picked up souvenirs and enjoyed afternoon tea and scones from their on-site tearoom (burrenperfumery.com). The sparsely populated scenery of the limestone upland en route was quite arresting, and we made multiple stops just to admire the desolately beautiful karst landscape, where 70 percent of Ireland's wildfower species can be found.
Sensory indulgence also abounds at the Trump International’s subterranean White Horses Spa, located beneath the main lodge and outfitted in the same warm and welcoming country chic environment that permeates the upper floors. Laura Ryan, my massage therapist, was honored as “Best Spa Terapist of the Year" 2013 by Irish Tatler magazine and for good reason: my blissful 90-minute Burren Wilderness Massage seemed to be over in the blink of an eye!
For more information or reservations at theTrump International Golf Links & Hotel, Ireland visit trumphotelcollection.com/Ireland.
After a few days of visiting castles, we were ready to live like royalty by checking into one, and Dromoland, a 16th century baronial castle located in Newmarket-on-Fergus, proved to ft the bill quite nicely. Literally minutes from a major thoroughfare and less than a 20-minute drive from Shannon Airport, once you pass through the gateway you are enveloped by 450 acres of lush, rolling hills. An 18-hole championship parkland golf course is laid out on either side of the narrow lane leading to the stoic limestone castle, complete with four castellated turrets. Te castle is strategically positioned atop a knoll that provides a “wow” moment the frst time it comes into view.
As the ancestral home of the O’Briens, Barons of Inchiquin, one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood, the richly appointed interiors of Dromoland Castle beft their noble legacy. Portraits of ancestors are hung along paneled corridors; windows are dressed with lavish tasseled drapery; and, light emanating from sparkling crystal chandeliers dances across coats of armor and gold cornices. Noted interior designer Dorothy Draper was retained when the property was renovated in 1962 to emerge as a luxury hotel; the guest rooms were refreshed two decades later by Draper’s protégé, Carleton Varney. Each category among the 85 guest rooms and 14 suites have been recently refurbished
Louis XV-style furnishings and specially commissioned fabrics by Manuel Canovas, Colefax & Fowler and Pierre Frey.
My favorite room was Te Cocktail Bar, an octagon-shaped space that was the former study of Lord Inchiquin, and where we would retreat each evening to claim a corner table near the fre to enjoy a pint and a sing-along of Irish ballads. Red and gold foil damask wallpaper accentuated the soaring height of the room’s ceiling; dark wood bookcases not utilized to highlight spirits for the bar housed a whimsical collection of Toby jugs. A pack of Stafordshire spaniel fgures sat obediently from individual halfround shelves scattered around the room.
Dromoland’s fne dining option, the Earl of Tomond, was awarded a Michelin star in 1995 under Head Chef Jean Baptiste Molinari. Current Executive Chef David McCann has taken great pains to ensure that the culinary delights revealed when the polished silver domes presented to the table are lifted in unison are truly worthy of such pageantry. À la carte, fve-course table d’hôte and vegetarian menus are available.
More casual dining from noon to late evening is ofered at the Fig Tree Restaurant, located in the Golf & Country Club building and just a short walk from the castle. Both the facilities and menu were revamped in 2012. A traditional daily tea is
served from 3:00-5:00 in the Drawing Room. For the active or romantically inclined, a special picnic basket can be prepared for a day outing or a relaxing lunchtime stroll to a secluded spot on the grounds.
A full complement of indoor and outdoor activities makes Dromoland a year-round destination. Opened in 2007, Te Spa at Dromoland features an outdoor hydra spa sheltered by a gazebo and ornamental courtyard, six luxury treatment rooms, and two product ranges, Pevonia Botanica and Voya, the latter of which is an organic seaweed beauty product manufacturer based on Ireland's Atlantic coast.
Dromoland’s 18-hole championship golf course was re-designed by Irish golfng legend J.B. Carr and American Ron Kirby. Te afliated Golf Academy boasts 10 fully automated driving bays, putting greens and a bunker, including a rivetedface-links-style bunker modeled on the famous “Road Hole” bunker on the 17th at St. Andrews.
Lake Dromoland is well-stocked with trout, perch and other coarse fish, and guests may fish from the banks or one of the estate’s small boats. Two all-weather tennis courts, a dedicated shooting range, archery instruction, horseback riding, falconry “Hawk Walks,” complimentary mountain bikes for use on the estate, an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and ftness
facility, and ample acreage for hiking, walking and jogging ensure there’s always plenty to do.
Easy day trips from both Dromoland and the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel include hiking the spectacular pathways that snake along the precipitous edges of the Cliffs of Moher (cliffsofmoher.ie); visiting Bunratty Castle and Folk Park where you can stroll through a village constructed to resemble life in Ireland a century ago, followed by dining Medieval style in the 15th century Bunratty Castle (shannonheritage.com/BunrattyCastleAndFolkPark); marveling at the lunar-like landscape found in The Burren National Park (burrennationalpark.ie); and, simply wandering through charming towns sprinkled throughout the countryside and popping into a local pub where hospitality flows as freely as the Guinness on tap. We were particularly fond of Morrissey’s Seafood Bar & Grill in Doonbeg (morrisseysdoonbeg.ie) and Te Locke Bar in Limerick, which had excellent traditional Irish music (lockebar.com). Further afeld but still reachable in a day is Blarney Castle. While kissing the famed Blarney Stone is a must, the gardens that surround the 600-year-old castle are quite exquisite and worth a leisurely stroll (blarneycastle.ie).
For more information or reservations at Dromoland Castle, visit dromoland.ie.
Te Clifs of Moher. Photo by Bridget Williams.
Te Cocktail Bar at Dromoland Castle.
Te karst landscape of the Burren region is home to 70% of Ireland's wildfower species.
Nudging the bar even higher on luxury lodging in Ireland is Ashford Castle. While the presence of a friendly ghost purported to make herself known from time-to-time in the oldest section of the castle is debatable, what is absolutely irrefutable is the property’s rich legacy, preserved and enhanced under the tutelage of Bea Tollman, founder and president of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, who, after acquiring the property and saving it from a pedestrian fate, set upon a meticulous and ambitious renovation and restoration project during which no expense was spared.
Positioned prominently on the shores of Lough Corrib, the second-largest lake in Ireland, the oldest section of Ashford Castle dates to 1228. Subsequent owners, including Lord and Lady Ardilaun of the Guinness family (whose legendary love story is fairy tale worthy), expanded the existing structure in a neo-Gothic style and extended the estate to an eventual 26,000 acres (it stands today at a more manageable 350 acres). The property opened as a hotel in the early 1940s; when John Mulcahy acquired the property in 1970, he nearly doubled its size with the addition of a new wing. Red Carnation purchased the property out of receivership in 2013. “We haven’t seen an investment of this scale in both the property and the local community since the legendary
benevolence of the Guinness family in the 1800s,” said General Manager Niall Rochford, who was named Hospitality Manager of the Year 2013 by Te Irish Times. “Te Tollman family wants to preserve and enhance the story of Ashford, and the sense of style, time and place they have created is truly wonderful.”
The heart of hospitality beats strong at Ashford, where children of long-time employees often follow in their parent’s footsteps generation after generation and pridefully regard the castle as their home away from home. I have to say, in all my years of traveling, I’ve yet to stay at a property whose staf are so fully in-sync with and vested in a company’s ethos as those at Ashford. Tollman maintains an intensive personal level of involvement in each of Red Carnation’s 17 four- and five-star boutique hotels around the globe that is dually admirable and mind-boggling, leaving me to wonder if she ever sleeps! Tis is worth mentioning quite simply for the fact that happy employees create optimal guest experiences at even the most mundane level of interaction.
Bea Tollman and her daughter Toni headed up the design team that created uniquely opulent environs in each of the castle’s 68 guestrooms and 14 staterooms; Ashford is the only property of its size in Ireland to boast completely individualized guestrooms. The final renovations will be unveiled when the
property reopens on March 28 after a winter hiatus. Even in her 80s, Bea logs some 300,000 travel miles annually and is constantly acquiring antiques and art for her company’s hotels, sometimes squirreling pieces away in storage until the “perfect” opportunity presents itself.
I had the privilege of lodging in stateroom 326, which overlooks the lake and formal garden and is resplendent in a predominant palette of regal red and royal blue, with upholstered silk walls (a design hallmark of Red Carnation properties); a fush mount ceiling draped bed with a scalloped crown and tassel trim that matches the drapery; Venetian mirrors; a blue Murano chandelier; original oil portraits; a spacious bath with a one-ton marble soaking tub, an Empire-style crystal chandelier, iridescent wallpaper and a walk-in shower so spacious, it brings a concerthall setting to singing in the shower; and, the latest in high-tech in-room amenities.
Common areas of the hotel have been refreshed as well, with windows added and doorways widened to allow more light into rooms that had previously seemed slightly somber. “Te Tollmans have maintained what should be and removed what’s not important, and that has added to the high-level experience,” said Paula Carroll, who heads up Ashford’s sales and marketing department.
Recently added amenities include a posh 32-seat cinema, children’s game room, a billiard room and a pair of outdoor roof terraces, one of which will serve fne cigars, some of which will be exclusive to Ashford. Future plans include transforming the recently rediscovered escape tunnel into a wine cellar with private dining rooms and creating a secluded lakefront honeymoon suite from an old boathouse on the grounds. Further in the offing, pending regulatory approval, is a renovation and expansion of the on-site spa to include an indoor ozone-fltrated pool and state-ofthe-art ftness center.
Te afable and seemingly omnipresent Robert Bowe heads up the restaurant and wine program and will gladly spin a good castle ghost yarn if you inquire. For breakfast each morning in the George V Dining Room, so named to commemorate a visit by the then Prince of Wales, scrambled eggs with shaved black trufe seemed ideally suited for the elegant environs, illuminated by nine grand Waterford chandeliers. Dinner is a formal afair, where a seasonal menu highlights the best local meat, fsh and produce. Te intimate Connaught Room, considered one of the fnest in the castle, provides dinner service from May through September. Cullens at the Dungeon Bar and the seasonal Cullens at the Cottage ofer more casual fare. You can immerse
yourself in the art of appreciating fne and rare Irish whiskeys at the Prince of Wales Cocktail Bar or survey the rapidly changing skies over the lake from a plethora of windows in the Drawing Room, which makes daily afternoon tea quite a treat (the Irish Whiskey Cream tea blended just for Ashford is a must-try).
Activities on property include fshing for brown trout and Atlantic salmon in Lough Corrib, considered one of the best fsheries in Europe for both species; falconry lessons at the School of Falconry (Ireland’s frst); indoor archery; tennis; cruising the lake aboard the M.V. Lady Ardilaun; jogging/walking an extensive network of routes from 20 minutes to two hours in duration that traverse everything from mossy forested paths to winding country roads; golfing the onsite nine-hole, par 35 parkland course designed by Irish golf architect Eddie Hackett (fve notable courses are located within close proximity of the castle); choosing from a dozen available horses to ride at the equestrian center; and, shooting sporting clays at a designated range with expert coaching from Tom Clesham, who has literally grown up on property (his parents operate the equestrian center).
Just outside the castle gates is the village of Cong. Founded in 623AD as a monastery, today the tiny hamlet is a postcardperfect assemblage of tidy buildings housing a number of restaurants and shops. Te village served as the backdrop for John Ford’s 1951 flm “Te Quiet Man,” starring John Wayne
and Maureen O’Hara. Te movie is screened daily in Ashford Castle’s cinema.
Myriad day trips abound throughout the Connemara region (connemara.ie/en/), whose raw and rugged beauty proved to be infnitely intriguing. Te area is distinguished by some 7,000 miles of dry stone walls that scale over and around the steep hillsides and contain herds of sheep whose wooly coats sport bright painted markings to signify their ownership. During our visit, the weather seemed to change on a dime and subtle shifts in sunlight caused the mood of the steep hills, bogs, lakes and golden beaches of the Atlantic shoreline to seesaw between ethereal and eerie.
Noteworthy places to visit include Kylemore Abbey (kylemoreabbeytourism.ie), a monument to love and loss that is now home to a group of Benedictine nuns and the largest Victorian walled garden in all of Ireland; the town of Westport (destinationwestport.com), a small community with a large number of fne restaurants and pubs and recently named the best town to live in Ireland; Joyce Country Sheepdogs (joycecountrysheepdogs.ie) where a sheepdog demonstration provides a glimpse of a rapidly disappearing way of life; and Burke’s Bar and Restaurant in the village of Clonbur (burkesclonbur.com) for an authentic Irish pub experience.
For more information or reservations at Ashford Castle visit ashfordcastle.com. sl
Photography by Andrew Kung
Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac, this 9,000-square-foot American country-style home with a painted white brick and weathered gray shake shingle exterior, designed by architect Tim Winters and built by Matt French Caliber Homes, is surrounded by mature trees that enhance its aura of relaxed elegance. Carefully considered architectural details inside, such as reclaimed hardwood flooring from Longwood Antique Woods found in most rooms, belies the home’s newness.
Te homeowners’ were referred to Ron through another one of his clients. “We immediately hit it of as if the homeowners were reading my mind on the aesthetic of the house,” said Ron. “Te family is dynamic and energetic and I wanted the home to refect that.”
Decisively introducing the home’s pervading style, the two-story entry hall is paneled in white wainscoting. Pared-down furnishings—an Aeryn Lauder blue velvet chair, an antique chest with a striking blue and ivory abstract painting above, and an oversized white Ralph Lauren lantern— support the minimalist aesthetic.
The large great room is crisp and inviting thanks to its fresh blue and white color scheme. A limestone freplace mantle serves as the heart of the cozy space, which is furnished with a beige sofa, a gold and glass cocktail table and a pair of blue velvet lounge chairs from Hickory Chair. Candlestick table lamps from Ralph Lauren provide cohesion to the opposing shapes of the end tables that fank the sofa. Positioned next to the freplace is an antique inlaid chest. Opposing the freplace is an unusual ivory and mahogany contemporary secretary desk and a classic spool chair upholstered in linen with blue geometric-patterned velvet. Boldly printed drapery from F. Schumacher draws attention to three sets of French doors.
Clean lines, traditional architecture and a selective color palette lend a timeless quality to a newly built residence with interiors designed by Ron Wolz of Bittners.
was designed to accommodate the family's active lifestyle. In the adjacent breakfast room, the reclaimed wood dining table seats 10 and adds a casual, collected feel to the space.
A bar is incorporated into the butler’s pantry that separates the formal dining room from the kitchen. Te dining table is a custom piece handmade by the master craftsmen at Bittners out of mahogany and walnut. Striped blue seat cushions from Ralph Lauren grace the white Chinese Chippendale-style dining chairs. Departing slightly from the pervading color scheme, the room is punctuated by emerald green draperies with a chic white and blue Greek key band on the edge of the panels. Scalamandré ivory damask wallpaper is juxtaposed with a bold contemporary abstract painting that injects a feeling of youthful energy into the decorous setting.
Exceedingly elegant in its simplicity, the spacious master bathroom features separate ‘his’ and ‘hers’ areas, both outfitted in white cabinetry, Calacatta Oro marble and striking light fxtures. A visual highlight is a soaking pedestal tub positioned under a round architectural window.
Rounding out the public and private areas of the residence are four additional ensuite bedrooms, a teen study, a craft room, covered porch and swimming pool.
“The wife has a wonderful sense of color and is not afraid to try new things,” explained Ron. “We both loved the diferent shades of blue against the white wainscoting and neutral paint colors in the house so we dove in and came up with a very fresh approach on classic style.” sl
Written by Matthew Bessen
Monday, August 18, 1969, 1:30 am: the author, age 13, climbed into a red Electra convertible with mom, dad, and his buddy, Harry, to ride home from the Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Eight hours later, Jimi Hendrix was on stage. In the years since, we have become accustomed to hearing performers embellish Te Star Spangled Banner with their unique inspiration at sporting events and public gatherings, but at that time, the anthem was a predictable, if usually revered, familiar ofering. Ten Jimi spiced it up with an electric tone palette and made it something completely contemporary and engaging. For diners accustomed to a familiar and much beloved Southern cuisine they grew up with, a similarly unexpected and wholly delightful experience is waiting at MilkWood, where chefs Kevin Ashworth and Edward Lee have electrifed their traditional menu with bold favors imported from Asia.
Housed in the rustic basement beneath the lobby of Louisville’s renowned Actor’s Theater, the restaurant space resonates with a masculine sensibility, featuring whitewashed walls of haphazardly mortared brick, pecan shell colored wood flooring, dark wood paneled ductwork, and accents ranging from mounted horned skulls of easily recognizable wildlife to tubular jackets that once held bottles of single malt scotch. In keeping with this mood, Ellana made her selection from the “brown spirits” cocktail card, picking an entry titled “Big in Bangkok.” Composed of Four Roses, peanut butter, lime and Tai bitters, this was a forthright introduction to the east meets west theme. The pale yellow beverage brought to mind the words smooth, large, royal, and sophisticated, and derived a mellow sweetness from the distinctive favor of roasted peanut.
You can’t name too many dishes more “Southern” than fried chicken & wafe. Tis New York bred author had no experience with this style of cooking sufcient to pass judgment on the MilkWood version. Not so Ellana, raised as she was in southern Indiana. What she described to me was a creative combination of fufy pale yellow wafe nuggets alongside chunks of oriental-style fried chicken covered in a glistening red sweet sauce that pricked the tongue with the favor of red chili paste. Laid across the platter like the spine of a miniature mountain range, it came with a side of soothing “down home” buttermilk dressing and was fancifully garnished with paper-thin fans of watermelon radish.
Along the same lines of converting humble fare into an eclectic international inspiration, the bone marrow appetizer incorporated a few clever Asian additions. The broiled long bones were cleaved lengthwise, turned into troughs for the sparkling meaty marrow. It was topped with a showering of grated Parmesan and served with saddle-shaped shrimp chips, chopped chives, and pickled shiitake mushrooms. Tis spectrum of tastes was made doubly inspired by a spectrum of textures: the buttery marrow, crunchy chips, and chewy mushrooms. Trough it all ran a hint of chili oil to bring a little south Asian Fahrenheit. Te same awareness of complimentary textures was on display in the pear with melted Brie salad. The languid warm Brie wedge fit well with feshy arcs of marinated pear, chewy rocket leaves, and
spiced pecans. Te eastern infuence was mainly confned to the pecans, which harbored clove, pepper, cinnamon and anise in their crunchy sugar shell and created a playful yin and yang in the company of mellow cheese, fennel, arugula and orange.
Here are some familiar southern ingredients: potato, sour cream and bacon drippings (chapter one in the Paula Dean cooking treasure?). So bring on the octopus bacon! Tis unique dish arrived in a black bowl decorated with a wave of sour cream splashing a cross a boulder composed of perfectly crusted fngerling potatoes, bacon-infused tender octopus and Kalamata olives, all resting on deep lime-colored jalapeño puree and topped with a crimson tangle of needlelike hydrated red pepper threads. Tat’s the way to transform the familiar into the deliciously psychedelic!
Saturday, January 17, 1942: Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. is born in Louisville, Kentucky. In honor of Muhammad Ali’s seventy-third birthday, the MilkWood kitchen served us a ramen noodle special they called “The Greatest.” The spiral shape noodles frustrated Ellana’s attempts to inhale them through her puckered lips, but they tempted her busy teeth with favors from a savory broth (bacon, kimchi, peanut, collard greens, and chili oil) as brash and feisty as the champion on his best day.
Te fsh of the day was Cobia, a slightly frm white ocean fsh, caramelized on the surface and presented with an array of vegetables common to gardens in the region. Te grilled caulifower came in yellow, white, and purple varieties, and retained its appealing crunchiness. Te mellow grilled eggplant was chewy and the petite
potatoes had an intense smokiness. Shaved quills of green onion carried the taste of early springtime. Te cheerful surprise on this plate was red curry sauce, smeared beneath it all, infusing its exotic gentle warmness. Ellana tackled a smoked rack of ribs, billed as a “Big Plate for Two”, that was large enough for four to share. Te rub (brown sugar, white and black pepper, cumin, garlic and cayenne) was a typical southern style preparation and produced a crackly glazed exterior on the sweet arches of meat. Served along with apple cider barbecue sauce, scarlet rings of sliced Fresno chili, pickles, and logs of jicama, this appeared to be the one case where the chef accepted the standard conventions of the southern tradition (unless you count the black sesame seeds on the side of tasty rolls). Some things are just too perfect to mess with!
climax. Te sorghum and grits ice cream was nothing less than enchanting. Te grits made for a particularly airy and light ice cream; the cofee favor and sorghum produced a sophisticated grown up sweetness made more interesting with hints of sea salt and a collection of bourbon soaked berries. I was pleased to discover each of the fruits held on to its particular favor identity, despite the winter season. Manager Stacie Stewart brought us small serving of the tōgarashi cheesecake. It melded a bright orange coating of the delicate Japanese pepper with tangy goat cheesecake, peanut sea salt, and a topping of smokysweet blackened pineapple. Every splendid bite was a succession of competing favors taking turns and usually ending with the gentle heat of the pepper. We also sampled peanut butter pot de crème, which I likened to a gourmet Reese’s Cup. Te dessert combined the Tai-inspired peanut favor with chocolate ganache, black sesame and a decadent layer of bourbon cherries. Last was the green tea beignet, with Nutella, almonds, pear and condensed milk, yet another amalgam of American and oriental ingredients.
More than a simple fusion of two cuisines, we had enjoyed an original electrifying interpretation of a much beloved culinary tradition. sl
3ULYDWH)DPLO\0DXVROHXP
&UHDWHDQHQGXULQJOHJDF\IRUIXWXUHJHQHUDWLRQV
(VWDEOLVKLQJDSHUPDQHQWSODFHRIUHPHPEUDQFHRIIHUVIDPLO\DQGIULHQGVDSODFHZKHUHWKH\FDQ SD\WULEXWHWRDSDVWOLIH
&DOO&DYH+LOO&HPHWHU\IRULQIRUPDWLRQRQWKHFRQVWUXFWLRQRISULYDWHPDXVROHXPIRU\RXUIDPLO\
&DOOWRGD\IRUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ
Photography by Andrew Kung
Since Lee Robinson founded his eponymous interior design frm 15 years ago, the industry has experienced a dramatic sea change. The Internet and social media certainly have had a great deal to do with it, by fostering the sharing of ideas and information related to interior design among a broader audience. Rather than resist the resulting demystifcation of the industry, Robinson has remained agile in his business plan to wholly embrace the times and emerge as a design pioneer in the digital age. “After spending a great deal of time working with out-of-state clients, I got a clear picture of what was on the horizon. In response, I assembled a great team that has helped me remove the smoke and mirrors to empower consumers and make the interior design process easier and more straightforward from do-it-yourselfers to full-service boutique clients,” explained Robinson.
Te change is discernable as soon as you enter Robinson’s recently overhauled showroom in the Colony Shops, where an iPad on a Plexiglas stand prompts you to take a lifestyle quiz. Just beyond, a video playing on a wall-mounted television features Robinson explaining his concept for the showroom as well as his musings on interior design.
Based on selections made while taking the brief quiz, you are pointed to one of three carefully delineated design “lifestyles”, each named after one of Robinson’s sons. If you fall under the Thruston Lifestyle, you have a “Soho Chic” inclination characterized by a hip, urban style. Those identified as the McDowell Lifestyle are largely traditionalists partial to design elements reminiscent of the English countryside, while Owsley Lifestyler’s favor the opulent and eclectic aspects of a high style Park Avenue apartment.
A fully furnished showroom dedicated to each lifestyle brings the concepts to life, from fooring to paint colors, the latter of which have been custom-blended for the Lee W. Robinson Company. “Today’s educated consumers are more defnite and decisive and they want to be actively involved in the process of creating their dream environments,” remarked Robinson. “We’ve introduced an entirely new philosophy in the industry.”
Robinson’s newly launched website also allows consumers not physically located in Louisville to take the lifestyle quiz, and an e-commerce site directs the browser to products that fall within their indicated preferences. “I like to empower and assist people and see my role as a counselor,” said Robinson, who often provides informal advice to clients perusing the showroom through the DIY platform.
Supporting his new concept is a concerted social media efort aimed at making good interior design more accessible to the masses. “Rooms don’t have to be brimming with precious things,” said Robinson, who pointed out that people are often surprised to find that his showroom includes items such as a $200 end table alongside a fne antique chair. Additional eforts to expand his audience include ramping up his Lifestyle Academy to offer a range of programming, from intensive eight-week courses for those with a design vocation, to evening cocktails and conversation events featuring notable faces in the design world for more casual enthusiasts.
While his services have expanded to include savvy DIYers, Robinson is by no means eschewing his full-service clients; in fact, he remarked that particular segment of his business is as bustling as ever. “We are being commissioned for a lot more whole house projects that give us the wonderful ability to roll up our sleeves and do everything from blueprints to draperies,” he said.
As the industry has evolved so has Robinson’s aesthetic, which he describes as “cool, modern and glamorous.” Preferential colors have moved in a more serene direction, with punches of bolder hues added for interest. He has also noted a stronge surge in the popularity of mid-Century-styled furnishings. Cleanly designed and well distilled, Robinson said it represents his twist on modern.
Looking back on the past 15 years, which saw him leap from a successful career in banking to the world of interior design, Robinson conveys a contagious enthusiasm for the future of his profession. “I really like the way things are changing,” he said. sl
Celebrating 15 years in business, the Lee W. Robinson Company is revolutionizing the way consumers approach interior design.
fresh looks to welcome the season
Circe: 3642 Brownsboro Rd. - 894.0095 – circeswag.com
Crittenden Fine Gentlemen’s Clothing: 141 E. Main St., Midway, KY – 859.846.4228 - crittenclothes.com
Glasscock: 153 Chenoweth Ln. – 895.0212 – glasscockinc.com
Keeneland Gift Shop: 4201 Versailles Rd. – 859.288.4236 - keeneland.com/giftshop
Rodes for Him and for Her: 4938 Brownsboro Rd. – 753.7633 – rodes.com
Saks Fifth Avenue: 101 W. 5th St., Cincinnati, OH – 513.421.6800 – saksffthavenue.com/cincinnati
Parkside Bikes: 1377 Bardstown Rd - 384.0668 - parksidebikes.com
DERMAL FILLERS
MICRO NEEDLING
SUN SPOT REMOVAL
SPIDER VEIN REMOVAL
PHARMACEUTICAL GRADE
SKINCARE
PHOTO FACIALS
DERMAPLANING
PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT OF ACNE SCARS
Exacta
Shop the Christine A. Moore Millinery Collection
Private Appointments
Schedule an appointment with Christine to design a one-of-a-kind Derby hat, April 1-2. For appointments call (859) 288-4236.
Trunk Show
Christine A. Moore Millinery, April 3-4.
Keeneland Gift Shop
4201 VERSAILLES ROAD (859) 288-4236
Shop online at KEENELANDSHOP.COM
Anisha hat by Christine A. Moore, dress by Sail to Sable. Modeled by Ramsey Carpenter, Miss Kentucky 2014
Presented by
6 Wine, Women & Shoes, 6pm, The Henry Clay; winewomenandshoes.com/Louisville
6 Ladies of Louisville to beneft the LMPD, 7pm, Mellwood Arts Center; ladiesofouisville.com
6 Bottoms Up Bash for the Colon Cancer Prevention Project, Mellwood Arts Center; coloncancerpreventionproject.org 7 JDRF Promise Gala, KY Derby Museum, KY Derby Museum; tdenham@jdrf.org
Men Derby Scholarship Gala, 6pm, Galt House Hotel; discover.kdf.org/100-black-men-derby-scholarship-gala/ 30 Ferdinand’s Ball, Muhammad Ali Center; ferdinandsball.com 30 6th Annual Taste of Derby, KY Expo Center; kentuckyderby.com/tasteofderby
1 Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs; kentuckyderby.com
1 Hermitage Grand Gala, Hermitage Farm; hermitagegrandgala.com
1 American Lung Assoc. Derby Eve Gala, Seelbach Hilton Hotel; Carolyn.embry@lung.org
1 Unbridled Eve Gala, 7pm, Galt House Hotel; unbridledeve.com
2 Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs; kentuckyderby.com
E very home is a masterpiece.5905 mt. pleasant drive – prospect Jon Mand, 417.2837, Chuck Pence, 291.4739 $1,249,900 2111 club vista place – lake forest Eric Seltz, 594.4700 $749,900 53 tepee road – indian hills Josh Laughlin, 777.8904 $549,000 12204 oWl cove place – anchoraGe Mary Wiegel Davis, 403.6308, Jane Kottkamp, 541.0367 $999,000 2509 top hill road Mary Nancy Chatel, 457.4884 $675,000 7012 Windham parkWay – sutherland Julie Yeager-Cayot, 262.3869 $525,000
Concentrics Restaurants hosted a packed house cocktail party to celebrate the opening of 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen, located on the rooftop at 350 West Chestnut Street. Chef Russell Kook and his team were hard at work serving up samples from the dinner and bar menus, while creative cocktails and large fre pits on the expansive outdoor terrace kept the evening’s chill at bay.
Photography by Chad Henle
Jim Davis, owner of Martini Italian Bistro was honored as Restaurateur of the Year by the Kentucky Restaurant Association (KRA) during an annual black-tie gala dinner held at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel. Other notable local accolades include Matt Ritman of Varanese named as Employee of the Year and Logan Leet of Old 502 Winery recognized as Manager of the Year.
Photography by Chad Henle
Marsha & Greg Cloud, Ryan & Micha Harmes
Jaleigh White, honorary committee chair for the Wine, Women & Shoes event on March 6 to beneft Family Scholar House, hosted a cocktail reception at Hilliard Lyons’ downtown ofce to recognize fellow committee members.
A fundraiser for the Jewish Federation of Louisville’s 2015 Campaign, the YAD Annual Event sported a Roaring ‘20s theme, with live music by Billy Goat Strut Revue. Te event, held at the Ice House, was co-chaired by Hunter Weinberg and Seth Gladstein.
Photography by Chad Henle
Event the most ardent chocoholic’s cravings were satiated at GuardiaCare’s 10th annual Chocolate Dreams event. Chaired by Amy Gilbert, attendees were treated to samples of delectable chocolate creations from some of Louisville’s most outstanding chefs, chocolatiers and bakers, who were vying for top honors and bragging rights in several creative categories, including People’s Choice.
Photography by Chad Henle
St. Francis School held their 19th annual Imagine! Art Auction at the Henry Clay. All proceeds from the event beneft the school’s scholarship fund.
Photography by Chad Henle
“Te Spirit of New Orleans” was the theme of Actors Teatre’s annual costumed all-you-can-eat lobster fundraiser. New this year was Te Lobster Lounge hosted for young professionals and featuring a live DJ, New Orleans-inspired food and drink and street performers.
Photography by Chad Henle
The 10th annual Swashbucklers Ball, a signature fundraising event for St. Mary’s Center, was held at the Louisville Marriott East. Dawn Gee emceed the event, which included cocktails, dinner and dancing to live music provided by “Speed Limit”.
Event Co-Chairs
Jessica Moore & Courtney Kempf
Mistress of Ceremonies
WLKY’s Vicki Dortch
Honorary Committee
Chair: Jaleigh White
Tonya Abeln • Jill Joseph Bell • Lindsey Miller • Mena Blue • Kathy Minx • Tracy Blue
Elizabeth Monarch • Cynthia Brown • Jessica Moore • Jenny Butt Huelsman • Elizabeth Conway
Karen Campbell • Katie Pfeifer • Tiffany Cardwell • Trinity Potter • Rashna Carmicle
Elizabeth Conway • Yolanda Ray • Shannon Carmicle Crawford • Erin Haynes Reed • Hala Ziady
Leanne Cunningham • Debbie Roberson • Vicki Dortch • Sandi Schroeder • Jennifer Eberle
Lesa Seibert • Cynthia Fanning • Denise Spalding • Stephanie Gumer • Andrea Stahlman
Michelle Harper • Peggy Noe Stevens • Pattie Imperial • Mindy Sunderland
Patti Swope • Nikki R. Jackson • Jill Jones• Carolle Jones-Clay • Marita Willis • Christi Kaiser
Phoebe Wood • Julie Kelley • Tammy York Day • Courtney Kempf • Tonya York Dee
Annie Locke • Sueanna Masterson • Laura Petry • Cathy Zion • Charlotte Ipsan
Planning Committee
Rashna Carmicle • Kathy Hinkebein • Natalie Reteneller • Christine Congleton
Alicia Johnson • Alli Truttmann • Melanie Cook • Jennifer Powell • Casey Wilson
Our Premier Sponsors
Presented by Twisted Pink a 100% volunteer-driven organization co-founded by Caroline Johnson and Lara MacGregor to raise awareness of the hidden statistics regarding metastatic cancer and gain funding to support metastatic research, the organization’s frst major fundraising event was the Twisted Pink Masquerade Ball. Held at Te Gillespie, the event featured a seated dinner, live auction and entertainment by the band Burning Las Vegas.
Photography by Chad Henle
Art Walks the Runway Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft 17 April 2015
photographer Clay Cook artist Maui Crane model Gabby Sabad hair/make-up Daniel Farmer
